YX Energi is to convert all of its remaining manned service stations into unmanned Uno-X branded sites. The company is also launching its own branded Visa card, which will be accepted in the newly independent shops next to the service station. These developments will see YX Energi cater for its two core service station customer groups: large businesses, and private customers and small businesses.

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Yukos, Russia's second largest oil company, will pay $74 million for 49% of the export pipeline operator. The deal will allow Yukos to export more oil to western Europe, boosting its position in Europe's oil market and helping it come out of the shade of its larger rival Lukoil.

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While there are many bidders for BP's surplus German oil businesses, Yukos is one of the frontrunners to purchase the 650 service stations and 45% share in a refinery. Yukos has earmarked $2 billion towards improving its position in western European refining and retailing. Alongside fellow Russian firm Lukoil, Yukos is definitely a company to watch.

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Young families are a lucrative segment for utility providers to tap into. Energy companies should target new parents, or parents to be, in the same way that banks target teenagers and students. Datamonitor's Daniel Legg explains that by designing a product especially for young families, utilities can increase loyalty and, hopefully, gain a customer for 20 years or more...

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Global solar energy giant Yingli Solar recently awarded US non-profit solar installer GRID Alternatives the biggest donation it has ever received, in a deal that makes the Chinese solar company GRID's official supplier. The partnership will provide solar energy for low-income families, and sets forth a blueprint that could help shape the UK's own energy and social ambitions.

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It may have taken six years, but Yello has just crept back into the black and recorded a small profit for Q2 2004. The energy retailer took on the German market with a striking price message and managed to acquire 1 million customers in six years. However, they came at a high price and as Datamonitor's Daniel Legg explains, there are better ways to make money in energy retail...

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The newly installed CEO of EnBW, Utz Claasen, has warned that Yello Strom, its residential subsidiary, must reach profitability by 2005. While its current losses and faltering acquisition strategy make the goal look unreasonable, upcoming market changes could leave Yello in a strong position.

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By restricting funding for coal power stations to all but the poorest countries, the World Bank is taking a step in the right direction towards a greener world. While this move has faced criticism, reducing extreme poverty has to take preference over low carbon energy. Ultimately, the World Bank has to find a way to help poorer countries use funding to develop cleaner alternatives.

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Falling wholesale energy prices have had significant column inches recently, with UK regulator Ofgem threatening to "go after" domestic retailers caught with profit-laden "jam on their fingers." While households may enjoy a welcome fall in energy bills in the New Year, British industry faces the more immediate prospect of another winter of discontent in the volatile spot and near curve markets.